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Hearty Texas‑Style Ground Beef chili

Hearty Texas‑Style Ground Beef Chili (No Beans)

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 generous bowls

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large pot with lid retains and distributes heat evenly
  • Wooden spoon or sturdy silicone spatula perfect for stirring under high heat
  • Chef’s knife & cutting board essential for prep
  • Measuring spoons & cups precision matters for balanced spice
  • Ladle for serving or moving chili between pot and bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 – the star of this meaty chili recipe
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 2 jalapeños seeded and chopped (adjust for heat level)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste – adds depth and richness
  • 1 14‑oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup beef broth – use low‑sodium if preferred
  • 2 tbsp chili powder – backbone of flavor
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin – adds earthy warmth
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika – for that wood‑smoked essence
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground chipotle or cayenne optional for heat lovers
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – helps bind flavors
  • 2 tsp brown sugar – enhances sweetness and balances heat

Instructions
 

Prep & Sauté Veggies

  1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high and add the vegetable oil.
  2. Once hot, add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños. Sauté until tender (~5 minutes). Add garlic and sauté 1 more minute until fragrant.

Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Push veggies to one side, add ground beef. Break it apart and brown until just cooked through (~7 minutes).
  2. Drain excess fat if needed (leaving a tablespoon helps flavor).

Build the Base

  1. Stir in tomato paste; cook 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, chipotle or cayenne (if using), and brown sugar. Stir for another minute until spice aroma rises.

Add Liquid & Simmer

  1. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  2. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes—stir occasionally. This lets flavors meld and liquid thicken.

Adjust & Serve

  1. After simmering, taste and adjust salt or heat. If too thick, add a splash more broth.
  2. Ladle steaming chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes—cheddar cheese, scallions, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or voila—corn chips.